Preparing for an Inspection
As the buyer, what you should know:
• It is highly recommended that the buyer attend and walk through the home with the inspector. It is in your best interest to obtain first hand knowledge, gain insight and have your questions answered directly from the inspector, at the time of the inspection.• Our Inspectors are licensed by the Office of Banks & Real Estate in Illinois and perform inspections according to License Act 225 ILCS91 and ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) Standards and Ethics.• Review the clause about home inspections in the Real Estate Contract.• A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems within the home by a generalist. (i.e., a General Practitioner refers you to a specialist, as we may refer the buyer to a Structural Engineer.)• A home inspection is a professional's opinion of the structure & components as of the day and time of the inspection. It's not a guarantee or warranty.• You and your attorney should be aware of any environmental tests that are available. (I.e., radon, mold, EIFS, lead.)• The inspection helps you understand normal maintenance and what would be normal wear and tear of the home, based on use and age.
As the seller, you should be aware of the scope of the inspection:
• The inspector will be in all rooms in the home and will need access to the roof, attic, crawlspace, basement, etc. This may upset some, who will feel it is an invasion of privacy, but it is necessary for an honest review.• Others may feel insulted that the buyer would want or need an inspector. (I.e., "Don't they trust us?")• If at all possible, plan to be out of the home. This may be difficult under certain circumstances, but it promotes smoother dialogue between the inspector and the buyer.• As the seller you, your agent and attorney need to be aware of any environmental testing that may be conducted. (I.e., radon, mold, lead, EIFS.) It may influence the 5-day time frame for the inspection.• Note that specific guidelines must be followed if a radon test is to be performed, in brief:
- 48 hour testing period
- Closed - home conditions
- No tampering with monitor(s)
- No operation of dryer, whole house fan, fireplace damper, etc.
It will be helpful if you, as the seller, can make it possible for the inspector to gain access to the following:
-
Attic
- Crawlspace
- Garage
- Any other rooms
that may be difficult to enter due to finishes or obstructions.
Preparing the Home for Inspection:
First of all, a home that is ready for an inspection is a home that has higher curb appeal. This home has a competitive edge. Second, all routine maintenance should be completed prior to listing, let alone a home inspection.
Listed are six major areas of concern in regards to a home inspection:
1) Check major
systems—
• Furnace, have it cleaned and serviced. (This clearly shows that it has been maintained.) Make sure the receipt(s) are out for display.
• Have the central air conditioning system charged in the summer months.
• Have the foundation cracks repaired, cracks showing moisture should be epoxy injected.
• Electrical System - Make sure the main panel is on, all knockouts are covered, and any nonprofessional wiring is replaced by code compliant work. Fix all damaged outlets, switches, and lights. (Typically, electric items are easily repaired, but several items tend to have a cumulative effect.)
• Check with the city to see if the Romex wiring your handyman installed is up to code. If you don't, the home inspector will make sure the buyers are aware of it.
• Have all plumbing leaks fixed, all damaged valves replaced, and make sure the toilet(s) are functioning properly. Have all flashing and roof shingles checked and repaired, if necessary.
2) Maintenance
Work—
• Trim back trees and bushes
• Apply new caulk to exterior
• Clean gutters, Add downspout extensions
• Replace any rotten wood trim
• Remove any peeling paint and paint wood trim
• Replace caulk in bathrooms at tub, re-grout where needed
• Re-grade at exterior
• Install or replace furnace filter
• Have chimney professionally cleaned
• Reseal Driveway
3) Details—
• Repair leaking faucets and traps
• Tighten loose doorknobs and hardware
• Replace damaged screens
• Replace broken glass
• Replace burnt out light bulbs
• Secure loose railings
• Patch all small holes in drywall
• Repair loose wallpaper
4) Safety—
• Install/check all smoke detectors in home. Requirements vary, but one on each level should be present. For new construction, detectors are needed in each bedroom as well.
• Install carbon monoxide detector.
• Install ground fault circuit interrupters in wet areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, exterior outlets or any other potential risk areas.
• Keep/remove flammable products away form furnace and hot water heater.
• Have basement foundation, egress, and windows clear.
• Update door lock hardware.
5) Cosmetic Improvements—
• Keep lawn mowed and picked up.
• Clean windows and power wash siding and trim.
• Replace thermal windows that have broken seals.
• Keep kitchen and baths clean, since buyers tend to scrutinize these areas.6) Information—
• Have all appliance receipts, service records, and warranties ready for inspection.
• Information on age of major components such as furnace, water heater, roof, etc., etc.
• Warranty information on components.
• Current heating, water, and electric bills.
• Information on any and all remodeling, such as date of remodel, permit for work, etc.
• For homes with well and septic tank systems, date of last service is beneficial
